In the week ending Aug. 5, there were 265 deaths in the state. 19.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease and 26% were from cancer Additionally, 9.8% of deaths were from Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Studies show doctors and medical examiners may underreport Alzheimer's disease and dementia-related conditions as the underlying cause of death on death certificates, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Once infected, older adults with dementia are likely to develop a more severe and dangerous illness. The diseases which make an older adult more vulnerable to COVID-19 are age-associated chronic conditions, according to the Bright Focus Foundation.
Nebraska top 10 causes of death in week ending Aug. 5
Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 69 | 26 |
Heart disease | 52 | 19.6 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 14 | 5.3 |
Alzheimer's disease | 12 | 4.5 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 10 | 3.8 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 3.8 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 3.8 |
Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 3.8 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 0 | 0 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 0 | 0 |
Nebraska Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 5
Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 26 | 9.8 |